Melbourne Cup to go ahead, but without spectators

By AFP
October 26, 2020

MELBOURNE: Australia’s Melbourne Cup horse race will go ahead next month but without crowds due to coronavirus restrictions, organisers said on Sunday, dealing the event a major blow.

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First run in 1861, it is a cultural institution and up to 100,000 well-dressed punters usually flock to Flemington, with boozy parties held nationwide and the winning horse instantly becoming a household name in Australia.

But despite hopes that some sort of crowd would still be allowed on November 3, within government and public health guidelines, the Victoria Racing Club conceded it would not be possible. “While we are very disappointed not to be able to welcome our members and racegoers to Cup Week, we understand the (Victorian) government’s commitment to keeping our community safe,” chairman Amanda Elliott said in a statement.

“We also recognise the need for certainty and clarity for our patrons.”

Victoria state has been battling a resurgence of Covid-19, with Melbourne’s five million people under stay-at-home restrictions for three months.

Case numbers have dwindled in recent weeks with only a handful of daily infections, and some lockdown rules were relaxed last week.

But big-ticket sporting events in Melbourne have been hit hard with the Australian Rules grand final played outside the city on Saturday for the first time in over a century.

This year’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled at the last minute in March as the virus first emerged in the city.

Organisers are confident cricket’s Boxing Day Test in December—this year featuring India—and the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam in January will go ahead.But whether fans are allowed remains to be seen.

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Cricket SA board members resign as deadline looms

Ag AFP

JOHANNESBURG: Acting president Beresford Williams and five other Cricket South Africa board members resigned on Sunday, two days ahead of a deadline threatening intervention from the country’s sports minister.

The resignations were announced in a series of tweets on CSA’s official Twitter account.

The organisation has been in disarray since chief executive Thabang Moroe was suspended last December, prompting calls from the country’s players’ association and major sponsors for the board to resign.

Sports minister Nathi Mthethwa threatened on October 14 to intervene directly in CSA’s affairs unless CSA provided him with reasons in writing why he should not get involved. He set a deadline of October 27. Government interference would put CSA at risk of sanctions from the International Cricket Council. Sunday’s resignations are likely to lead to the formation of an interim committee. The latest move comes less than a month before a limited overs series against World Cup champions England.

Williams was made acting president following the resignation of Chris Nenzani in August.

According to CSA’s tweet: “Mr Williams is deeply passionate about cricket and because of his love for the game he has resigned because this is the best way he can currently serve cricket.

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